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2016-10-14 07:29:05

BABA

Alibaba

$102.15

-1.47 (-1.42%)

, NFLX

Netflix

$100.23

0.73 (0.73%)

…07:29

10/14/16

10/14

07:29

10/14/16

07:29

JPMorgan tweaks Alibaba, Netflix targets lower ahead of Q3 results

JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth lowered his price target for Alibaba (BABA) to $134 from $135 and his target for Netflix (NFLX) to $122 from $125 ahead of the Q3 reporting season. Both stocks remain Overweight rated. The analyst slightly lowered his estimates for Alibaba to reflect tougher inventory comps and increased investment spending. He remains positive on the company's overall monetization trends. On Netflix, Anmuth tweaked his 2017 average selling price forecast lower while increasing his investment spend estimate modestly. Within the Internet space, the analyst's top large-cap picks into the quarter are Alphabet (GOOGL), Facebook (FB) and Amazon.com (AMZN). Among small-caps, his top picks into earnings are Yelp (YELP), Pandora (P) and Match Group (MTCH).

Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Justin Post said that Yahoo's (YHOO) disclosure of the massive data breach impacting over 500M of its users is clearly a negative for the company that could result in email account closures, but he does not anticipate a major impact on Yahoo's business related to this breach, citing as evidence the fact that he is not aware of any significant business impairment or financial liability related to security breaches at LinkedIn (LNKD) in 2012 and at eBay (EBAY) in 2014. Post adds that the Target (TGT) data breach, which did include credit card info, is not directly comparable to Yahoo's breach. For Verizon (VZ) to back out of its acquisition agreement, Post thinks the company would need to assume Yahoo acted in bad faith during negotiations and that the Yahoo asset is impaired or comes with significant liability, neither of which he sees as being the case. The analyst keeps a Buy rating on Yahoo and bumped his target on the shares to $55 from $53, citing an increased price target on Alibaba (BABA) that a peer at the firm recently set.

09/29/16

DBAB

09/29/16NO CHANGETarget $138DBABBuy

Alibaba price target raised to $138 from $109 at Deutsche Bank

Deutsche Bank analyst Alan Hellawell raised his price target for Alibaba to $138 saying his firm's recent payments survey in China reveals Alipay ranks as the "clear #1" online payment method. Alipay has an "unrivalled" 40.8% of all online transactions, and 37.4% of O2O consumption, Hellawell tells investors in a research note. The survey respondents also revealed greater intentions to expand use of Alipay over other alternatives, the analyst adds. He keeps a Buy rating on shares of Alibaba.

MKM Partners said the 2% pullback in Alibaba shares this morning is being attributed to soft third party tracking data. The firm's analyst notes tracking data would not would not capture monetization improvement which has been the upside driver for revenue growth acceleration. MKM Partners rates Alibaba a Buy with a $130 price target.

10/11/16

EVER

10/11/16NO CHANGETarget $125EVERBuy

Alibaba price target raised to $125 from $115 at Evercore ISI

Evercore ISI analyst Ken Sena raised Alibaba's price target to $125 due to favorable near-term macro data and steps the company has is taking into audience and logistics as fueling long-term continued growth. The analyst rates Alibaba a Buy.

NFLXNetflix

$100.23

0.73 (0.73%)

10/10/16

10/10/16INITIATION

On The Fly: Top five analyst initiations

Catch up on today's top five analyst initiations with this list compiled by The Fly: 1. Netflix (NFLX) initiated with a Sell at Deutsche Bank. 2. Noble Midstream (NBLX) initiated with an Overweight at Barclays, a Hold at Deutsche Bank, an Overweight at JPMorgan, an Outperform at Baird, a Buy at Mizuho, a Buy at Citi, and an Overweight at MUFG. 3. AB InBev (BUD) reinstated with a Buy at Goldman. 4. First Solar (FSLR) initiated with a Neutral at Piper Jaffray. First Solar (FSLR) initiated with a Neutral at Piper Jaffray. 5. Molson Coors (TAP) reinstated with a Buy at Goldman and resumed with a Buy at BofA/Merrill. This list is just a portion of The Fly's analyst coverage. To see The Fly's full Street Research coverage, click here.

10/12/16

MSCO

10/12/16NO CHANGETarget $110MSCO

Morgan Stanley sees 'un-grandfathering' peaking for Netflix in Q3

Morgan Stanley analyst Benjamin Swinburne believes the market expects Netflix (NFLX) to report Q3 domestic net subscriber additions that fall short of the company's 300K forecast. However, he thinks the impact of "un-grandfathering" will peak in Q3 and that the percentage of U.S. members seeing price increases will begin to fade in Q4. While acknowledging that Amazon (AMZN) continues to grow as a competitor for content and time spent, Swinburne notes that local and regional players in many markets continue to struggle. The analyst keeps an Overweight rating and $110 price target on Netflix shares.

Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves expects Netflix's Q3 results to be hurt by "excess churn" caused by its price increase. However, he predicts that the company's subscription growth will reaccelerate in Q4 and into 2017, driving the stock higher. The analyst keeps a $125 price target on Netflix and recommends buying the shares.

UBS analyst Doug Mitchelson said the firm's Evidence Lab shows Netflix app download data as reflecting maturity in the U.S. and Canada but picking up in Europe. The analyst said his confidence in 10M subscriber addition estimates is increased but he is not prepared to increase his estimates. Mitchelson does not expect Q3 results and Q4 guidance to resolve the bull/bear debate and continues to expect the shares to trade in a range. Mitchelson reiterated his Neutral rating on Netflix shares.

GOOGAlphabet

$778.19

-7.95 (-1.01%)

09/28/16

09/28/16DOWNGRADE

On The Fly: Top five analyst downgrades

Catch up on today's top five analyst downgrades with this list compiled by The Fly: 1. Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) downgraded to Underperform from Neutral at Wedbush with analyst James Dix citing concerns that the "Four Horsemen of the Search Apocalypse" -- self-identified consumers, consumer control of IP-delivered ads, payments innovation, and attention markets -- might arrive. 2. AT&T (T) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at UBS with analyst John Hodulik citing expectations for lower earnings growth. 3. Macy's (M) downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at Credit Suisse with analyst Michael Exstein saying the retailer, after outlining in August its operations and merchandising strategies, is now in an execution phase. 4. Twitter (TWTR) downgraded to Underperform from Neutral at Mizuho and to Sell from Hold at Loop Capital. 5. Galectin Therapeutics (GALT) downgraded to Sell from Buy at Roth Capital with analyst Sa'ar Yaniv citing the company's announcement that NASH-FX, GR-MD-02's Phase 2a study in NASH fibrosis, failed both primary and secondary endpoints. This list is just a portion of The Fly's full analyst coverage. To see The Fly's full Street Research coverage, click here.

10/10/16

WELS

10/10/16NO CHANGEWELS

Alphabet, Facebook can meet Street estimates, says Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo says that investors are concerned about the ability of Facebook (FB) and Google (GOOG,GOOGL) to meet Street estimates because forecasts continue to indicate that TV's ad share will be relatively stable over the next two years. But Wells says that Facebook and Google will continue to gain share from "non-TV media" and could see increased revenue from "non-advertising marketing services" such as sponsorships and public relations. Wells keeps Outperform ratings on both stocks.

10/12/16

WELS

10/12/16NO CHANGEWELSMarket Perform

Wells doesn't see Apple as biggest beneficiary from Samsung issues

Wells Fargo analyst Maynard Um attributes the recent rally in shares of Apple (AAPL), at least in part, to Samsung's (SSNLF) issues with its Note 7 phones. Apple gained an incremental $14B in market capitalization at its intraday peak, which the analyst believes embeds more than 3M of incremental iPhone 7 Plus units. Samsung's production halt will help Apple, but other Android vendors with 5.7 inch phones could see a bigger benefit if Android users prefer to stick with Android, Um tells investors in a research note. He points out that LG, Kyocera, and Microsoft (MFST) have 5.7 inch Android phones at U.S. carriers. Um thinks expectations for Apple into earnings "have risen materially." He keeps a Market Perform rating on the iPhone maker. Apple closed yesterday up 25c to $116.30.

Citi analyst Walter Pritchard believes a Salesforce (CRM) acquisition of Twitter (TWTR) is possible financially but that such a deal would put "significant constraints" on the company for the next three-plus years. The analyst sees "very little reason" for Salesforce to own Twitter and feels the acquisition "would pose a difficult decision" for CEO Marc Benioff and the board. Salesforce closed yesterday down 6%, or $4.21, to $68.42. Recode reported last night that the company is likely the only bidder left for Twitter after Disney (DIS) and Alphabet (GOOG) opted not to pursue a deal while Apple (AAPL) is unlikely. Twitter in pre-market trading is down 14% to $21.50. In order for Salesforce to avoid a shareholder vote, it would have to borrow $7.5B to fund the transaction if Twitter were valued at $20B, or $27.50-$28 per share, Pritchard tells investors in a research note. This is a level that likely constrains the company with little additional borrowing capacity for other deals, the analyst contends. He thinks the deal is "nearly impossible to do" for Salesforce should the bidding for Twitter go above $20B or $28 per share. Pritchard has a Buy rating on Salesforce with an $89 price target.

GOOGLAlphabet Class A

$804.08

-7.69 (-0.95%)

09/30/16

RBCM

09/30/16NO CHANGERBCM

Street underestimating Google growth outlook, says RBC Capital

RBC Capital analyst Mark Mahaney expects Google to end 2016 with "up to 20% growth," versus the Street's outlook of mid teen percentage level growth. Mahaney says that Google's growth should be boosted by "ongoing Search innovations, rising Mobile CPCs, and the growing impact of YouTube, Play & Cloud." He thinks that YouTube's revenue is growing at a 30%-40% clip. Mahaney raised his price target on the stock to $1,025 from $1,000 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares.

FBFacebook

$127.82

-1.23 (-0.95%)

10/11/16

NEED

10/11/16NO CHANGETarget $150NEEDBuy

Needham raising Facebook estimates ahead of results

Needham analyst Laura Martin is raising her Facebook estimates for Q3 as she increases her estimates for Ad revenue going forward based on the company's increased number of advertisers using its platform, and her belief that ad growth will continue to realize robust performance for at least the next 12 to 18 months. The analyst reiterates a Buy rating and $150 price target on the shares.

10/13/16

LOOP

10/13/16NO CHANGETarget $165LOOPBuy

Facebook keeps expanding addressable market, says Loop Capital

Loop Capital analyst Blake Harper noted that Facebook has launched several new products over the past week as the company keeps working to expand its addressable market. Among the new offerings, Harper sees "Events" as a natural extension of what people already use Facebook for, views "Workplace by Facebook" as the largest strategic leap and said "Marketplace" should be helpful for users but more difficult to scale as a business considering Facebook's prior challenges in making inroads in e-commerce. While he does not expect near term revenues from any of these products, Harper said Facebook's innovation gives him confidence in his longer-term estimates and keeps a Buy rating and $165 price target on the stock.

10/14/16

PIPR

10/14/16NO CHANGETarget $185PIPROverweight

Piper's teen survey shows declining Facebook engagement

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says his firm's latest survey of over 10,000 teens shows Facebook engagement is decreasing. Engagement in the Fall survey is 52% versus 60% in Spring. Factoring out shifts in the population surveyed, core Facebook usage likely declined by three basis points, which indicates Facebook is gradually becoming less relevant versus Instagram and Snapchat, Munster tells investors in a research note. He points out, however, that teens indicating they use Instagram increased five points in the Fall 2016 survey, slightly faster than Snapchat's four points. Desire for engagement from brands on Instagram will drive long-term monetization above core Facebook levels, Munster contends, while noting that declining Facebook usage is a negative. The analyst keeps an Overweight rating on the shares with a $185 price target.

YELPYelp

$37.51

-1.31 (-3.37%)

08/24/16

MKMP

08/24/16NO CHANGETarget $48MKMPBuy

Yelp price target raised to $48 from $40 at MKM Partners

MKM Partners analyst Rob Sanderson raised Yelp's price target to $48 and reiterated his Buy rating saying execution is firmly on track and recent sales momentum continues. Sanderson said momentum has been driven by sales channel evolution and productivity gains and is also encouraged by improvements in site utility.

09/26/16

CANT

09/26/16NO CHANGETarget $42CANTBuy

Yelp takeout chances increased with share conversion, says Cantor

Yelp's (YELP) conversion of Class B super-voting shares into regular Class A shares late last week increases the company's takeout potential, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Youssef Squali tells investors in a research note. Yelp, especially following recent improvements in the underlying growth fundamentals of the business, has become "an easier, and more likely" acquisition target, the analyst contends. The analyst views Facebook (FB), Priceline (PCLN), TripAdvisor (TRIP) and Microsoft (MSFT) as potential acquirers of Yelp. Squali estimates Yelp could be worth $53 per share in a takeout. He keeps a Buy rating on the stock with a $42 price target. The stock is up 2% to $40.35 in early trading.

09/26/16

MAXM

09/26/16NO CHANGEMAXM

New Yelp structure could be catalyst for takeout, says Maxim

Maxim analyst Tom Forte reiterated his Buy rating on Yelp and the firm raised its price target to $45 from $42 citing the company's dissolution of its dual-share class structure, which removes an obstacle for Yelp being taken over by a potential suitor. Forte noted that Alphabet (GOOG), Amazon (AMZN), and Apple (AAPL) have been cited as potential suitors of Yelp in the past. Forte also noted that Groupon (GRPN), which the firm also has a Buy rating on, will see its dual-share class structure expire at the end of October, which could serve as a catalyst for that stock.

09/29/16

RHCO

09/29/16NO CHANGERHCO

Yelp price target raised to $46 from $42 at SunTrust

SunTrust analyst Matthew Thornton raised his price target on Yelp, citing the company's new 'Request-A Quote' tool. The analyst thinks that the tool could enable the company's the company's revenue and EBITDA to rise by double digit percentage levels. He remains upbeat on the company's fundamentals and keeps a Buy rating on the shares.

PPandora

$13.17

-0.16 (-1.20%)

10/04/16

10/04/16UPGRADE

On The Fly: Top five analyst upgrades

Catch up on today's top five analyst upgrades with this list compiled by The Fly: 1. CBS (CBS) upgraded to Buy from Sell at UBS with analyst Doug Mitchelson saying he sees any deal with Viacom (VIA) as priced into CBS shares already. He also has increased confidence in consensus estimates for CBS and sees further upside if the national TV ad market and CBS' ratings remain strong. 2. Pandora (P) upgraded to Conviction Buy from Buy at Goldman with analyst Heath Terry saying he sees significant upside to out-year estimates from premium radio and on-demand subscriptions. He expects competition to ease as new entrants slow and existing providers focus on profitability and limit "free" models. 3. Las Vegas Sands (LVS) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BofA/Merrill with analyst Shaun Kelley saying shares remain fairly under-owned and thinks estimate revisions will move higher due to market momentum, better ROI for Parisian, Cotai infrastructure additions, and optionality from Japan and real estate. 4. KBR (KBR) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Deutsche Bank with analyst Chad Dillard saying yesterday's 10% post-guidance cut selloff is overdone and backward-looking. 5. West Marine (WMAR) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at B. Riley. This list is just a portion of The Fly's full analyst coverage. To see The Fly's full Street Research coverage, click here.

09/14/16

PACS

09/14/16NO CHANGEPACS

Pandora deal negative, says Pacific Crest

Pacific Crest analyst Andy Hargreaves says that Pandora's deals with music labels create a business model that "is fraught with a lack of limited control of content costs and a lack of incremental leverage on operating expenses." The analyst says that the agreement "cedes control of (Pandora's) content costs to the major labels," significantly reducing his confidence in the company's profitability going forward. He keeps an Underweight rating on the stock.

10/04/16

GSCO

10/04/16UPGRADETarget $19GSCOConviction Buy

Pandora upgraded to Conviction Buy from Buy at Goldman

Goldman analyst Heath Terry added Pandora to the Conviction Buy List and raised his price target to $19 from $17. Terry sees sees significant upside to out-year estimates from premium radio and on-demand subscriptions. He expects competition to ease as new entrants slow and existing providers focus on profitability and limit "free" models.

After Pandora announced direct deals with most of the major music labels, SunTrust analyst Robert Peck says that the deals will enable the company "to launch new interactive services and enhance existing products." He thinks that improved monetization as a result of more expensive ads could enable it to offset "potential cost increases" stemming from higher royalties. He keeps an $18 price target and Buy rating on the shares.

Wells Fargo believes that Match's Q1 results should alleviate some key investors concerns about the company. The firm says that the company disclosed more information about itself, addressing key concerns about its mobile and paid user growth and showing that its core "hardwall" business has stabilized. Wells says that data indicating that the company's prices are stable should ease concerns about average revenue per paying user pressures. Wells thinks that the company is "back on track" and keeps a $16-$18 price target and Outperform rating on the shares.

10/11/16

JPMS

10/11/16INITIATIONTarget $78JPMSOverweight

IAC initiated with an Overweight at JPMorgan

JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth started IAC (IAC) with an Overweight rating and $78 price target. The analyst calls HomeAdvisor the leader in the online U.S. home services market and sees upside from Match Group (MTCH) driven by Tinder strength.

09/20/16

WELS

09/20/16UPGRADEWELSOutperform

IAC upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo analyst Peter Stabler upgraded IAC (IAC) to Outperform saying the current share price does not adequately reflect the sum of the company's Match Group (MTCH) stake and its "collection of mature and emerging assets." The analyst also has increased confidence in HomeAdvisor's market position and potential to sustain current momentum. He raised his price target range for IAC shares to $75-$77 from $62-$64.

07/28/16

JPMS

07/28/16UPGRADETarget $19JPMSOverweight

Match Group upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at JPMorgan

JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth upgraded Match Group to Overweight saying the valuation following the post-earnings selloff. The analyst views Tinder's trajectory as strong and he upped his price target for the shares to $19 from $15.